You hate to hear this one.
The family of NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip announced that the former driver has been diagnosed with a cognitive disease and will be stepping back from public life.
Waltrip is a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion who won 84 races over his 29-year driving career. One of NASCAR’s biggest personalities, Waltrip was known for his epic rivalry with Dale Earnhardt and his nickname “Jaws” which he earned for his aggressive driving style and outspoken personality.
Throughout his career he also became known as the “King of Bristol” thanks to a seven-race winning streak and 12 wins in his career
We wanted to share a health update with all of Darrell’s friends and fans who have supported him throughout his racing career. Recently, Darrell has been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) complicated by possible Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) — likely from injuries incurred during his racing career.
He retired from full-time racing following the 2000 season, and in 2001 Waltrip stepped into the broadcast booth for NASCAR on FOX alongside Larry McReynolds and Mike Joy, where he became famous for his iconic line “Boogity, boogity, boogity” as the green flag waved at the beginning of every race.
Darrell stepped away from the booth following the 2019 season, but has continued to make guest appearances at the track and on broadcasts over the past few years. Earlier this year, he appeared in the broadcast booth for the spring race at Darlington to once again deliver his signature line to start the race.
But yesterday, Waltrip’s family shared some sad news as they announced that the NASCAR legend has been diagnosed with a progressive brain condition, possibly from injuries suffered during his racing career, and would be stepping back from public life:
“We wanted to share a health update with all of Darrell’s friends and fans who have supported him throughout his racing career. Recently, Darrell has been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) complicated by possible Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) — likely from injuries incurred during his racing career.”
His family says that as of right now the disease is only causing minor symptoms, though it will eventually progress:
“While this disease will inevitably progress, thankfully, it is currently limited to some minor noticeable symptoms. As a result, he will be stepping further away from the public limelight. Be assured, Darrell is happy and otherwise healthy — spending his time with his wife, Stevie, two daughters and his three young grandchildren. We are all grateful for your continued prayer, love and support!”
Frontotemporal Degeneration is a condition that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain and causes changes in speech and behavior, while CTE is commonly associated with football players and causes issues with thinking and emotion, though it can only be fully diagnosed after death.
Former NASCAR driver Fred Lorenzen was also diagnosed with CTE after his death, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. has pledged to donate his brain to science after his death to further examine the links between head injuries in NASCAR and brain damage.
